Aberlour A'bunadh

Of the 57 batches currently on the market, I have had the good fortune of trying 7, including this batch 19. But that was years ago. As I was able to put my hands on Batch 54 today, I would like to put them H2H, starting with this one from 2007. Did you know, by the way, that the first Aberlour a’bunadh was released way back in 1997?

Wonderfully sherried nose on plums, dades, pears on syrup and caramel, but with a special touch of smoke that I do not detect in all a’bunadh. This one also sports a drop of balsamic and a hint of chocolate on its rich and round nose. Moreover it has got a green edge. Herbal, I think it’s called. On the nose, there is little evidence of the high cask strength.

The moment it caresses your tongue, it is soft and mildly spicy, but once it reaches every corner of your mouth, you realize the strength. And yet it is quaffable without water. I get kirsch, coffee and balsamic first, then raisins and plums and even a hint of coconut. All is wrapped in some woodsmoke. There is a lot going on here. Very complex whisky.

The finish is very long and sweet, but remains spicy until the death.

I had tried this before and must say, it is even better then I remembered. Sublime. In my opinion the best a’bunadh I have tried so far.